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For Korean youth, Nov. 11 is Pepero Day, an occasion similar to Valentine's Day that involves the gifting of Pepero, a popular line of chocolate-dipped cookie sticks. Since 1918, however, Nov. 11 has had a much more somber significance around the world the end of the First World War. 

One event that joins Korea to the world's war tribute is Turn Toward Busan, an effort to make Nov. 11 a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives to defend the Republic of Korea during the Korean War. This event is always held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

When the Korean War broke out in 1950, young people from 22 countries participated in the war under the United Nations. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey and Australia are just some of the nations that were involved. Six countries India, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Italy and Germany, sent medical aid groups. During the war, over 40,000 young men sacrificed their lives. Over 2,200 soldiers from 11 nations are buried in the UN Memorial Cemetery, which is located in Nam-gu (district). 

In 2007, Vincent Courtenay, a Canadian veteran of the war, began the Turn Toward Busan campaign to remember the sacrifices of Korean War soldiers. The event involves turning toward Busan and taking a minute of silence at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. 

Before the actual day, a ceremony to declare the Turn Toward Busan event will be held at Busan Station Plaza on Nov. 1. There will be a peace festival on Nov. 9, in addition to a memorial event at the UN Peace Memorial Hall from Nov. 6 through 11. At 6 p.m. on Nov. 11, a concert will be held at the Busan Cultural Center, in the name of peace. 

How to get there Daeyeon Station (metro line 2), exit 3. Walk 15 minutes until you reach UN Peace Park.